Double Play

A Novel

By: Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Robert Forster

It is 1947 when Joseph Burke, ex-Marine, ex-husband, ex-somebody–is hired as a bodyguard to protect Lauren Roach, 25 and spoiled rotten. The unlikely duo becomes entangled with Burke’s boyhood hero, color-barrier breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson, in a story that is both thrilling and engaging. It is in the historical character Jackie Robinson that Mr. Parker finds inspiration and Joseph Burke may find his redemption.

This is a work of fiction about a real man. Most of what I’ve written I’ve made up. I have, however, attempted to render Jackie Robinson accurately. As he was, or as I imagined him to be, in 1947, when I was turning 15, and he was changing the world. The rest is altogether fiction. It may be more Burke’s story then Jackie’s story. But, without Jackie, Burke would have had no story. And neither would I. Robert B Parker.

©2003 Robert B. Parker (P)2003, 2014 New Millennium Entertainment, Phoenix Books

Critic reviews

"This should be required reading for all aspiring storytellers....A masterful recreation of a turbulent era that's not only a great and gripping crime novel but also one of the most evocative baseball novels ever written." (Publishers Weekly)
"Deeply felt and intimately told....Fusing this chapter of sports history with a hard-boiled gangster plot and haunting recollections of his own Boston boyhood, Parker fashions a hugely entertaining fiction..." (The New York Times Book Review)
"A grand-slam combination of adventure, mystery, and sports, and an evocative but unsentimental memoir." (Forbes)
"If you only read his Spenser novels, it's easy to forget how versatile Parker can be. This story...reminded me." (Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly)

More than Baseball

This book is about more than just baseball, it has gangsters, love, racial discussions and a variety of examples of commitment. There is a lot packed into this short book, the narration is delivered as it is written, there are not any voice changes for the characters.

A Well Told Parker Story

A unique blending of a Parker tale intertwined with Jackie Robinson’s brave entry onto the American scene as he breaks baseball’s color barrier. The story is well told with Parker’s characteristic weaving of storylines. Parker fans should enjoy.

Best story of baseball history

loved it all. replayed it many times. never gets old . an important time for America.

Something different from Parker

It seems that one is either of fan of this guy's writing or not -- judging by other reviews. I am a fan.

This is not a part of any series -- no comfortably familiar characters. But, the writing is excellent -- if you like Parker's most dry style. The "he saids, she saids" are part of this extremely dry style and are excellently read by the narrator.

It's a wee bit slow to get started, so give it a chance if you like Parker -- it's worth it.

Parker hits a home run!

This is RBP at his best. I have read or listened to this book at least 4 times. Parker writes this masterpiece in the Spenser vein of the 70s and 80s. His chronicling of Burke's toughness on top of his fear is wonderful. The bandinage between Burke and Jackie Robinson gives a lot of human insight as well as great humor. Robert Forester's reading is perfect. You will enjoy this book!